General Electric is spending real money to make fracking more environmentally sound, reports Jen Alic at the web site RealClearEnergy.

Alic: "In three years, General Electric Co. has gone from only dabbling in oil and gas to investing a whopping $15 billion in the sector, with an eye for diversity and new technology—not drilling and producing.

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 30, 2013--
MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C.
(MarkWest Utica EMG), a joint venture between
MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P.
(NYSE: MWE) (MarkWest) and
The Energy and Minerals Group
(EMG), is announcing an additional expansion of its large-scale midstream system to support the rapidly growing drilling programs of Antero Resources (Antero),
Gulfport Energy Corporation
(NYSE: GPOR) (Gulfport) and other producers in the southern core of the
Utica Shale
. MarkWest Utica EMG will now construct a third 200 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) cryogenic gas processing facility at its
Seneca
processing complex in
Noble County, Ohio
.

Cheap natural gas from fracked shale is stalling a nuclear power renaissance in the United States, reports The Economist.

The Economist: "Far from building new reactors, utilities are closing existing ones. Also in May, Dominion power shut a nuclear plant in Wisconsin that was licensed for another 20 years, 'based purely on economics'.

LOS ANGELES—Anti-fracking filmmaker Josh Fox will join farmers, public health professionals, environmental and consumer organizations and people living near fracked wells on Thursday, May 30, for a Los Angeles protest urging Gov. Jerry Brown to ban fracking in California.

Lisbon, Ohio, May 30, 2013—Columbiana County Park District unveiled its newly extended path for the Greenway Bike Trail this week—a goal the organization was able to achieve through a generous $50,000 donation from NiSource Midstream Services, a Columbia Pipeline Group company.

The donation from NiSource Midstream Services, through the NiSource Charitable Foundation, enabled the park district to construct approximately two miles of bike trail from High Street in Leetonia to Union Street in Washingtonville, which is one block from State Route 14. The Greenway Trail is extended as far north as it can go where it now meets with Mahoning County and the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway Trail.

“Extending the bike trail closer to the Mahoning County line has been a goal of ours for some time,” said Dorothea Betz, chairperson, Columbiana County Park District. “Strong corporate partners like NiSource Midstream Services truly make all the difference in these types of projects. Because of their commitment to our communities and dedication to making a real difference in the lives of local families, we have two more miles of trail to bike and enjoy.”

“Our Ohio roots date back more than 100 years,” said Chad Zamarin, chief operating officer, NiSource Midstream Services. “This area is home to us and to many of our employees. We are investing in the Mahoning Valley and committed to lending our support, whether it is through the economic development and jobs that come from our local business activities, or through projects like the Greenway Bike Trail or helping feed the hungry by assisting the local food bank.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held by the park district and NiSource Midstream Services on May 30 to unveil the new section of trail. The park district’s new goal is to extend south to the Ohio River near East Liverpool.

NiSource Midstream Services is partnering with Hilcorp Energy Company to construct the Hickory Bend Gathering System and Processing Plant. The project represents a $300 million investment in the Mahoning Valley that will support shale gas and natural gas liquids production in and around Columbiana and Mahoning Counties.

Action on reducing the assessments, most of which are $12 a year, is not expected until late this year or early next year. Implementing whatever plan is developed is unlikely until 2015, said John Hoopingarner, the district’s executive director-secretary.

The Financial Times: "The oil trader known by rivals as 'God' predicts the US shale revolution will only 'temporarily' boost production and oil prices will remain high, siding with Saudi Arabia and the Opec cartel in a debate gripping the energy market.

"Andy Hall, whose lucrative bets on oil prices earned him a $100m salary at Citigroup in the 2000s, told investors that the rapid decline in output suffered by shale wells is 'likely [to] mean that the bounty afforded by shale resources is temporary'."

McArdle: "OPEC meets in Vienna on Friday, a meeting that will, according to the Wall Street Journal, be a mite testy. The last few years have been flush for the cartel, with oil prices well above their historical average. Now fracking is changing all that--and hammering open fissures in the cartel that been temporarily plugged with huge wads of petrodollars.

On June 1, 2013, individuals and representatives from different environmental groups will be prepared to present testimony before the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Conservancy Court in New Philadelphia. Concerned citizens will ask the Court to stop water sales by the MWCD as well as leasing for horizontal, high volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of public reservoirs needed for safe drinking water and other industrial, agricultural and recreational purposes.

LORTON, Va., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Next Generation Corp (OTCQB: NGMC) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a natural gas and oil lease for a 134 acre parcel in Mason County, West Virginia, increasing its portfolio of energy producing properties to 2,154 acres in the Appalachian region, in addition to its West Texas and Louisiana royalty holdings.

The 2nd Annual State of the Region conference is scheduled for June 4th in the Walter Hall Rotunda on the campus of Ohio University. The conference will build upon information and data presented one year ago in our inaugural meeting where we discussed "Understanding the Boom and Bust Cycle for Greater Sustainability." This year's program, "Shale and Beyond," will follow up on topics related to this active industry in Ohio.

General Electric is investing a whole lot of money to capitalize on the growth in shale energy, writes Sarah Rae Fruchtnicht at the web site Opposing Views.

Fruchtnicht: "General Electric Co. is investing billions of dollars to research and improve hydraulic fracturing, fracking, for oil and gas. GE plans to open a laboratory in Oklahoma in an attempt to make fracking more profitable for clients and reduce harmful environmental and health effects.

One of many positive things about the new U.S. shale energy revolution is that it is weakening OPEC, writes Walter Russell Mead in his blog, Via Meadia, at The American Interest.

Via Meadia: "Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries are meeting Friday to discuss cutting production in response to the new US addition to the global oil market. But delegates have already hinted that the asymmetric impact of the shale revolution on OPEC’s member countries has weakened the bloc’s resolve and will mean no agreement on curbing supply.

A National Academy of Sciences committee will review a host of risks and public concerns associated with shale gas drilling operations nationwide -- what's known and much that isn't -- during a two-day workshop starting May 30 and May 31 in Washington, D.C., reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

WASHINGTON (May 20, 2013) – The American Chemistry Council today released a new report examining the potential economic benefits of U.S. chemical industry investments linked to robust and affordable natural gas from shale. The third in a series, the report analyzes nearly 100 chemical industry investment projects that have been publicly announced through the end of March 2013.

Washington, D.C.: In response to today’s second forum on natural gas by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee entitled “Domestic Supply and Exports,” Bill Cooper, president of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas issued the following statement:

On May 19, the Sunday Times in Scranton, Pa., reported that state records indicate that 161 homes, farms and businesses in Pennsylvaniua had drinking water supplies damaged by hydraulic f4racturing or fracking.

The paper made that estimate after viewing records of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 2008 to late 2012.

AUSTIN, Texas – The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) commend the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) on its biggest overhaul of oil and gas rules in over thirty years. The RRC adopted dozens of highly technical rules today aimed at improving well integrity – procedures critical for constructing and operating oil and gas wells in a way that protects the environment, public health and safety.

A press release from last week from the Center for Effective Government:

On May 16, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a revised proposed rule for hydraulic fracturing on federal public lands (commonly referred to as fracking). The new proposed rule not only ignores concerns about the public health and environmental risks of the natural gas drilling method, it also disregards recommendations by lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Energy's Shale Gas Production Subcommittee, which called for transparency and full public chemical disclosure. The proposed rule suggests the agency has placed industry concerns ahead of public health and safety. It also contradicts the new data standards the Obama administration issued just last week by executive order.

Washington, D.C. – Today a coalition led by Americans Against Fracking, 350.org, Democracy for America and Food & Water Watch, among others marched at the Spring Policy Conference of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) calling for a ban on fracking and demanding that the organization “Stop Taking Dirty Money,” citing the over $3.5 million the DGA has taken from companies in the oil and gas industry since 2008, according to analysis out this week by Food & Water Watch. The march also takes place in the wake of new research released by the Pew Research Center for People and the Press that shows that nationally, only 33 percent of Democrats polled favor the increased use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

One of America's corporate giants is investing billions of dollars in the new boom of oil and gas drilling, or fracking. General Electric Co. is opening a laboratory in Oklahoma, buying up related companies and placing a big bet that cutting-edge science will improve profits for clients and reduce the environmental and health effects of the boom.

The Telegraph newspaper in Great Britain writes: "The [German] Brauer-Bund beer association is worried that fracking for shale gas, which involves pumping water and chemicals at high pressure into the ground, could pollute water used for brewing and break a 500-year-old industry rule on water purity."

Exporting liquified natural gas created from fracked shale in the United States will lead to economic benefits even as some warn shale does not have a long-term future, writes Daniel Graeber at OilPrice.com.

"MIT physicist Ernest Moniz became the new energy secretary this week after sailing through the nomination process relatively unscathed.

Too wrong for too long? Production predictions just two years ago about shale energy have proven to be way off, writes Sandy Fielden at RBN Energy LLC.

Fielden: "If we look back to see what folk were forecasting for North American energy markets two years ago in 2011 and then compare that to today’s actual data and forecast, what would that tell us about the changing pace of North American energy production?

Standard & Poor's has a new report out on the impact of shale energy on various industrial sectors.

S&P says in a press release: "A report released by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, titled 'Game Changer: Industry Winners And Losers From The U.S. Shale Revolution,' looks at the effects of the shale boom--whether they be positive, negative, or mixed--on a variety of industries.

Environmental groups that oppose shale fracking have sent a letter to the Environmental Defense Fund saying they disapprove of the group supporting the Center for Sustainable Shale Development.

The letter in part reads: "Those of us concerned with charting a rational and sustainable energy policy for the United States were disheartened to see the Environmental Defense Fund lend its name and support to an entity called the Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD). The very use of the word sustainable in the name is misleading, because there is nothing sustainable about shale oil or shale gas. These are fossil fuels, and their extraction and consumption will inevitably degrade our environment and contribute to climate change. Hydraulic fracturing, the method used to extract them, will permanently remove huge quantities of water from the hydrological cycle, pollute the air, contaminate drinking water, and release high levels of methane into the atmosphere. It should be eminently clear to everyone that an economy based on fossil fuels is unsustainable." …

Sandy Fielden at RBN Energy LLC writes that the Utica shale production numbers released last week "disappointed investors hoping for evidence of another Bakken or Eagle Ford. But the state data does not tell the whole story.

Fielden: "Utica shale is not going to produce as much oil as the Bakken or Eagle Ford in the short term.

Don't despair over the new production figures from the Utica shale in Ohio, writes John Kingston at Platt's blog The Barrel.

Kingston: "The release of Ohio’s 2012 production figures last week by the state hit the market with a thud, disappointing just about any analyst who checked in with their views. 'Bust' was a commonly-heard theme about the Utica, supposedly the next-great US shale play.

Energy In Depth Ohio says that natural gas pipeline construction is largely environmentally safe and, when finished, typically not noticed by the general public.

Shawn Bennett, director of corporate and community affairs for Energy In Depth Ohio, writes: "Pipelines are nothing new to us in Ohio, or anywhere across the United States for that matter. In fact, nearly 2.1 million miles of natural gas pipelines crisscross the country. To put that in perspective, if you laid 2.1 million miles of pipe end to end, you would have enough pipe to stretch to the moon and back — more than four times! Even more impressive? Most people couldn’t tell you where a pipeline is laid after it has been there for a couple months. Those targeting pipelines as some sort of eyesore are just looking for any reason possible to be against oil and gas development, no matter how silly their claims are.

Fracked energy from the United States is changing the global energy market and driving down prices as it increases supply, writes Mark Green at The EnergyTomorrow blog.

Green writes: " ... the head of the federal agency that analyzes energy data says the recent growth in U.S. production has helped reduce the price of Brent crude, a leading global benchmark, by about $25 a barrel. That’s big, because the cost of crude oil is the single biggest factor in the price of gasoline ..."

Carl Pope, the former head of the Sierra Club, isn't buying into the arguments that exporting shale-derived natural gas is in the best interest of the nation or consumers. He argues against exporting energy at the Energy Experts Blog at NationalJournal.com

Pope says in part: "All informed participants know – and almost all conceal – that the primary purpose of building export infrastructure like the Keystone Pipeline or LNG terminals is to raise energy prices in North America. What is mystifying is why almost all of America’s political class is willing to support a set of policy decisions whose outcomes will be to impoverish most Americans and weaken the nation."

Michael Levi in Foreign Affairs magazine makes a strong case for an "all of the above" approach when it comes to developing and using new sources of energy in the United states.

Levi, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, writes in part: "The truth is that the best way to strengthen the American economy, bolster national security, and protect the environment is for the country to take advantage of all the new energy opportunities.

HOUSTON, May 17, 2013 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN) announced today that it has closed its recently announced acquisition of approximately 162,000 net acres in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania. The properties were acquired from Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE: CHK) and its partner for approximately $93 million, excluding purchase price adjustments. Southwestern has financed the acquisition with its revolving credit facility.

The Via Meadia blog notes a Wall Street Journal story: "Flame-resistant overalls are the latest reason to be optimistic about America’s future. The US shale boom is creating plenty of new jobs in the oil and gas industry, but it’s having a number of knock-on effects as well. Energy-intensive industries have been bolstered by the influx of cheap natural gas, for example. And a new sector has appeared to help support the rapidly growing number of oil and gas workers in America. Firms that feed, house, and, as the the WSJreports, clothe these workers are capitalizing on this energy revolution, too."

The Obama administration may be softening its stance on fracking, writes Walter Russell Mead at his blog, Via Meadia.

Mead: "The Interior Department has just released long-awaited revisions to proposed rules governing fracking on federal land. The new rules are meant to replace a thirty-year-old set of regulations that are now hopelessly out of step with current technology.

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2013 – Erik Milito, API director of upstream and industry operations questioned the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rules regulating hydraulic fracturing on federally-controlled land. He said rigorous state rules and state-based tools, such as FracFocus.org, are already in place to ensure responsible oil and natural gas development.

“States have led the way in regulating hydraulic fracturing operations while protecting communities and the environment for decades. While changes to the proposed rule attempt to better acknowledge the state role, BLM has yet to answer the question why BLM is moving forward with these requirements in the first place.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is making its "State of the Play" update on Thursday from Columbus on the Utica shale available online.

ODNR Director James Zehringer, Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management Chief Rick Simmers and JobsOhio Managing Director David Mustine offered an update on the development of the Utica shale play in Ohio during the release of the 2012 well production results.\

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Dept. of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced its latest fracking rules for shale drilling on federal lands, which were last revised in 1988. These draft rules completely fail to honor President Obama’s 2013 State of the Union address where he pledged to do more to combat climate change for the sake of our children and our future.

Washington, D.C.—“We are disappointed that the Senate has confirmed fracking proponent Dr. Ernest Moniz as Secretary of Energy. In his new position, Dr. Moniz will have the power to influence our nation’s energy future, helping to determine the forms of power that will light up America’s energy grids. He will also play a role in regulating oil and gas extraction and determining whether these resources are used here at home or shipped abroad. Dr. Moniz has significant ties to the the oil and gas industry and his confirmation makes it all the more important for President Obama to exercise leadership and reject dirty energy sources and pursue a clean energy future.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed an updated set of rules governing hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” on public lands today. The controversial oil and gas development technique -- in which drillers blast millions of gallons of chemically treated water into the earth to force oil and gas from underground deposits – has been linked to air and water pollution and public health problems.

Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a revised proposed rule covering hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on federal lands. The Center for Effective Government's Sofia Plagakis has a new blog post up reacting to the rule.

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2013 – U.S. LNG exports could create tens of thousands of domestic jobs while having only minimal impacts on domestic U.S. natural gas prices, a new report for API by ICF International finds. The report also concludes that LNG exports would spur strong growth in U.S. GDP but that U.S. companies would face considerable competition for LNG sales abroad, with at least 63 international LNG export projects currently planned or under construction.

“Increasing LNG exports is clearly in our national interest and will help the U.S. reach the president’s goal to double U.S. exports,” API President and CEO Jack Gerard said. “The industry is ready to invest in American infrastructure to create jobs and produce more domestic energy as soon as the Department of Energy moves forward with the approval of LNG export applications. Timely approval of LNG exports is crucial if we want to be competitive with international projects rushing to be first to market.”

U.S. LNG Exports: Impacts on Energy Markets and the Economy studies the energy market and economic impacts of LNG export levels of up to 4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd), 8 Bcfd, and 16 Bcfd by 2035. Among the report’s findings:

Supporters of high-volume oil and gas drilling said Wednesday that they hope for a quick vote on a bill to regulate the practice in Illinois after reaching agreements on hiring and environmental concerns.

Here is the press release from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District on its new policy on short-term water sales:

A policy containing upgraded guidelines for the short-term sales of water from the lakes of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) that includes provisions for supplies for the oil and gas industry has been approved and will go into effect immediately.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said today it will require companies that drill for oil and natural gas on federal lands to publicly disclose chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The new “fracking” rule replaces a draft proposed last year that was withdrawn amid industry complaints that federal regulation could hinder an ongoing boom in natural gas production.

North America's shale drilling revolution is now permanent and will keep natural gas selling at historically low prices for at least the next decade, Moody's Investors Service says in a new report. And while low natural gas prices will have long-term benefits for some sectors and companies, they will hurt other types of businesses, the agency says.

A boom in natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania is generating billions of dollars for companies and private landowners, but some experts question whether the state's low effective tax on the bounty makes long-term sense.

He is widely hailed as geologist and professor whose research provided key information on the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania. He has defended the drilling as safe and been an advocate for Marcellus shale development.

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead on Monday unveiled a state energy policy two years in the making that calls for maintaining Wyoming's position as the top energy-exporting state while preserving its wild, scenic and pristine landscapes.

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 – A recent decision by BLM to delay oil and natural gas leasing in California is an example of counterproductive government policy that will hurt the economy and weaken U.S. energy security, API Chief Economist John Felmy told reporters this morning:

“America has a game changing opportunity to build a stronger economy and to secure a brighter energy future thanks to our vast supplies of newly accessible oil and natural gas. Full development of these resources could mean millions more jobs, stronger and more rapid economic growth, and trillions in added tax revenue, all while strengthening our position vis-à-vis the geopolitics of oil and natural gas markets. Unfortunately, current federal policy continues to prevent our nation from taking full advantage of this opportunity. The most recent example of this is BLM’s decision to postpone oil and natural gas lease sales in California until the fall, at the earliest.

“For the last several years, the federal government has shown virtually no interest in promoting new energy development. Today, eighty-seven percent of federal offshore areas remain off limits to oil and natural gas production. And where development is possible in federal areas, permitting and leasing is a slow and cumbersome process. According to the Department of the Interior, from 2008 to 2012, the number of drilling permits issued on federally controlled onshore land dropped over 36 percent while the actual number of wells drilled dropped 40 percent, which depresses production.

“As we look ahead we know that our nation has the workforce, the innovative and the entrepreneurial spirit to make the most of the energy renaissance created by the energy from the shale revolution. We also know that all too often, what’s lacking is political leadership and vision. We therefore urge lawmakers on all levels to work together to create a fact-based energy policy, so that our nation can take full advantage of its bright energy future and secure its place as a 21st century global energy leader.”

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

Bank of New York Mellon Corp., the world’s biggest custody bank, is appealing a ruling allowing Chesapeake Energy Corp. (CHK) to proceed today with redeeming $1.3 billion in bonds six years early at 100 cents on the dollar.

A domestic natural gas boom already has lowered U.S. energy prices while stoking fears of environmental disaster. Now U.S. producers are poised to ship vast quantities of gas overseas as energy companies seek permits for proposed export projects that could set off a renewed frenzy of fracking.

A Texas-based energy company said on Friday that it intends to determine how to best drill for oil in Stark and Tuscarawas counties in Ohio’s Utica shale.

EV Energy Partners said it is seeking to form one or more joint ventures with unnamed companies to determine the best way to get that oil to the surface, said executive chairman John B. Walker in a teleconference on first quarter 2013 earnings and operations.

From Antero Resources, a Colorado-based drilling company active in Ohio's Utica shale:

DENVER, May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Antero Resources announced today that the borrowing base under its bank credit facility has been increased to $1.75 billion. This represents a $530 million increase over Antero's previous borrowing base. In addition, lender commitments under the facility were increased by $500 million to $1.2 billion. The $1.2 billion commitment can be expanded to the full $1.75 billion borrowing base upon bank approval.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) joined with her colleague Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY) to introduce the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act (FRAC Act), a bipartisan bill that establishes common sense safeguards to protect groundwater from risks associated with the oil and gas drilling technique “hydraulic fracturing,” better known as “fracking.” The FRAC Act would require disclosure of the chemicals used in fracking fluids and would remove the oil and gas industry’s exemption from the Safe Drinking Water Act. Rep. DeGette has introduced the FRAC Act in each Congress since 2008, but today marks the first time it has been introduced on a bipartisan basis.

“As we recognize the need for energy independence and clean tech innovations to power our nation, natural gas is an important economic driver; but we must ensure the process for extracting natural gas is done safely and responsibly,” said Rep. DeGette. “I’m proud to introduce the FRAC Act today for the first time as a bipartisan bill. As fracking operations expand, colleagues on both sides of the aisle increasingly recognize we need common-sense legislation to ensure the economic benefits of natural gas do not come at the expense of the health and safety of families and communities.”

Over the past decade, the use of fracking has expanded exponentially due to advances in drilling technology, the need for U.S. energy independence, and a move towards utilizing natural gas while the country incorporates renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. While the nation begins to reap the rewards of natural gas, anecdotal evidence has begun to emerge of residents, homeowners, and workers becoming ill after oil and gas operations began in their communities. In promoting the benefits of this cleaner domestic fuel, it is critical to account for the real issues that exist, and any policy developed to support fracking must ensure the health and safety of our citizens.

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 – A recent decision by BLM to delay oil and natural gas leasing in California is an example of counterproductive government policy that will hurt the economy and weaken U.S. energy security, API Chief Economist John Felmy told reporters this morning:

“America has a game changing opportunity to build a stronger economy and to secure a brighter energy future thanks to our vast supplies of newly accessible oil and natural gas. Full development of these resources could mean millions more jobs, stronger and more rapid economic growth, and trillions in added tax revenue, all while strengthening our position vis-à-vis the geopolitics of oil and natural gas markets. Unfortunately, current federal policy continues to prevent our nation from taking full advantage of this opportunity. The most recent example of this is BLM’s decision to postpone oil and natural gas lease sales in California until the fall, at the earliest.

“For the last several years, the federal government has shown virtually no interest in promoting new energy development. Today, eighty-seven percent of federal offshore areas remain off limits to oil and natural gas production. And where development is possible in federal areas, permitting and leasing is a slow and cumbersome process. According to the Department of the Interior, from 2008 to 2012, the number of drilling permits issued on federally controlled onshore land dropped over 36 percent while the actual number of wells drilled dropped 40 percent, which depresses production.

“As we look ahead we know that our nation has the workforce, the innovative and the entrepreneurial spirit to make the most of the energy renaissance created by the energy from the shale revolution. We also know that all too often, what’s lacking is political leadership and vision. We therefore urge lawmakers on all levels to work together to create a fact-based energy policy, so that our nation can take full advantage of its bright energy future and secure its place as a 21st century global energy leader.”

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Crosstex Energy companies, Crosstex Energy, L.P. (NASDAQ:XTEX) (the Partnership) and Crosstex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:XTXI) (the Corporation), today announced that the Corporation has agreed to invest approximately $25 million in a third natural gas compression and condensate stabilization facility in the Ohio River Valley. The Corporation will make the investment in E2, a company formed in March 2013 with the former management of Enerven Compression Services to provide services for producers in the liquids-rich window of the Utica Shale play. The Corporation’s initial investment commitment in E2 of approximately $50 million is funding the construction of two similar facilities. The E2 investment complements the Partnership’s assets in the Ohio River Valley, which encompass crude oil, condensate and logistics operations in the Utica and Marcellus Shale plays.

From MarkWest Energy Partners, a major player in developing midstream facilities in Ohio's Utica shale:

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 8, 2013--
MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P.
(NYSE: MWE) (the Partnership) today reported quarterly cash available for distribution to common unitholders, or distributable cash flow (DCF), of
$110.2 million
for the three months ended
March 31, 2013
, compared to
$109.2 million
for the three months ended
March 31, 2012
. DCF for the three months ended
March 31, 2013
represents 102 percent coverage of the first quarter distribution of
$108.4 million
or
$0.83
per common unit, which will be paid to unitholders on
May 15, 2013
. The first quarter 2013 distribution represents an increase of
$0.01
per common unit or 1.2 percent over the fourth quarter 2012 distribution and an increase of
$0.04
per common unit or 5.1 percent compared to the first quarter 2012 distribution. As a
Master Limited Partnership
, cash distributions to common unitholders are largely determined based on DCF. A reconciliation of DCF to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is provided within the financial tables of this press release.

Received on Wednesday, a blog by Shawn Bennett, director of corporate and community affairs at Energy in Depth Ohio, an industry-backed pro-drilling group. He said the blog could be added to the blog you are readfing.

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. (MWE) (MarkWest) announced today the execution of definitive agreements to acquire 100% of the ownership interests of certain midstream assets in the Anadarko Basin from a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK) (Chesapeake), for consideration of $245 million in cash. The transaction closed simultaneously with the execution of the agreements.

The Oklahoma-based energy company said on Wednesday that it intends to add four drilling rigs in eastern Ohio by the end of June and now expects to invest $500 million in Ohio in 2013 to drill up to 60 wells.

Canada's Talisman said Wednesday it had not found enough gas to warrant further expensive exploration or extraction procedures. It will sell its Polish interests to a European company, San Leon Energy, and focus on easier-to-get deposits in North and South America, Southeast Asia and the North Sea.

COLUMBUS – Chief Executive Magazine ranked Ohio as one of the nation’s most improved states to do business in 2013. Ohio Petroleum Council (OPC) Executive Director Chris Zeigler offered the following comments on the magazine’s annual CEO survey:

“Ohio’s economic condition is certainly improving, and shale energy producers are leading the way with high paying jobs and opportunities for sustained economic prosperity. Gov. John Kasich and legislative leaders have done a good job in providing the industry with a strong regulatory framework that encourages environmentally responsible development and bolsters citizens’ confidence. OPC will continue to work with our elected leaders to advance smart fiscal and regulatory policies to ensure continued safe and productive shale energy exploration and development in Ohio.”

According to the latest statistics from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, jobs created within the oil and natural gas industry offered considerably higher wages than jobs in other Ohio industries. From 2011 to 2012, oil and natural gas workers were paid an average wage of $72,859; approximately $29,006 higher than the average wage offered in the state’s other industries. In addition, jobs supporting the oil and natural gas industry paid an annual wage of $58,532, approximately $14,679 higher than jobs in other industries.

OPC is a division of API, which represents all segments of America's technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members provide most of the nation's energy. The industry also supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 million a day in revenue to our government, and since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 3, 2013-- Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) today announced that its Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of director Louis A. Simpson. Thomas L. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI), has been elected to fill the vacancy and has been appointed to the audit committee. He will stand for election at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders on June 14. Mr. Ryan replaces R. Brad Martin on the audit committee, with Mr. Martin becoming chair of the nominating, corporate governance and social responsibility committee.

Why is President Obama Capitulating to Big Oil and Gas?Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter on behalf of Americans Against Fracking

Washington, D.C.— “President Obama’s comments that he supports accelerating liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports is great news for the oil and gas industry and bad news for the rest of us. It means that communities across the United States could soon see drilling and fracking accelerate. It also represents a clear acknowledgement by President Obama that this is his decision, and suggests that he will own the resulting damage inflicted upon our water, air, land and climate.

A large pipeline proposed for transporting natural gas from eastern Ohio’s Utica shale through Detroit and into southern Ontario would run under several communities in the Akron-Canton area.

The 250-mile pipeline would cross Stark County and into the cities of Green and New Franklin in southern Summit County, then into Medina County. It would pass under Wadsworth and Guilford, Montville, Lafayette, York and Litchfield townships.

WASHINGTON, DC- A coalition of local, regional, and national groups are objecting to the environmental impacts posed by the proposed Dominion Cove Point liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal on the Chesapeake Bay, saying the project would hurt the Bay’s economy and ecology, increase air pollution, and hasten fracking and drilling in neighboring states.

A new rule set for approval by the North Carolina Mining and Energy Commission requiring some disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing has been withdrawn at the request of industry giant Halliburton.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Florida House passed HB 579 to promote the use of natural gas fuels in Florida. Eric Criss, Chairman of the Florida Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (FNGVC) congratulated the legislature on its action: "Florida now leads the nation in our crucial drive toward energy independence. This is an important step forward in America's evolving national security policy and in protecting our environment. I commend Senator Wilton Simpson, Representative Lake Ray and their colleagues on both sides of the aisle for this important accomplishment."

Washington, D.C.– Today, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) published a new report titled “The Benefits of Natural Gas Production and Exports for U.S. Small Businesses.” The report highlights the significant growth in the number of employer firms and jobs in the energy sector between 2005-2010. The job growth is most striking among small businesses. During this same period, total U.S. employment and firms experienced a decline. The findings of the report underscore the need for policies that encourage and enable this positive development for the U.S. economy.

Halcón Resources, a Utica Shale driller, issued their first quarter financial and operational update yesterday. With regard to the Utica, the company reports they operated two drilling rigs in Ohio and Pennsylvania (yes, there is Utica in PA too!), drilling and completing four wells in 1Q13.

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.(More...)

From the eco-group EarthJustice in reaction to appeals' court ruling in New York cases:

ALBANY, NY – Local residents and elected leaders in Dryden, N.Y. are celebrating victory today in a closely watched case over local fracking bans. A state appeals court ruled in favor of the towns of Dryden and Middlefield, affirming lower court decisions upholding the towns’ right to ban oil and gas development activities -- including the controversial technique of fracking -- within town limits. The legal battle first began in 2011, and industry is widely expected to seek review of the ruling by New York’s high court (the Court of Appeals).

Don't try to persuade the people of Great Britain to back fracking by paying them off with badminton courts, writes Michael Hanlon in the (U.K.) Guardian.

Hanlon: "This is not a spoof: it is actually being considered by the coalition, on the advice of the energy and climate change select committee, as a way of getting the people of Lancashire and elsewhere to drop their opposition to fracking, a controversial technology that extracts natural gas by blasting it out of ancient, deeply buried shale strata. A country that led the way with civil coal and nuclear power, and whose efficient national grid was a symbol of the postwar drive to modernise, is now basing energy policy on bribing villagers with badminton courts.

From the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health on Monday:

Pennsylvania residents living near unconventional natural gas developments using hydraulic fracturing, known by the slang term “fracking,” attribute several dozen health concerns and stressors to the Marcellus Shale developments in their area, according to a long-term analysis by University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health researchers.

Testifying before the Ohio Senate Finance General Government subcommittee on Monday, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director James Zehringer encouraged legislators to restore a number of oil and gas provisions in Gov. Kasich's biennial budget that were scrapped by the House, according to the Gongwer Ohio Report.

TULSA, Okla., May 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SemGroup® Corporation (NYSE:SEMG) today announced that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire the equity interests of Mid-America Midstream Gas Services, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK), which is the owner of gas gathering and processing assets in the Mississippi Lime play for $300 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close by the third quarter of 2013 and is subject to certain regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

From today's Chesapeake Energy Corp.'s report from first quarter 2013:

Utica Shale (eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia): Chesapeake is currently operating 14 rigs in the Utica Shale play. As of March 31, 2013, Chesapeake had drilled a total of 249 wells in the Utica, which included 66 producing wells, 86 additional wells waiting on pipeline connection and 97 wells in various stages of completion. Net production averaged approximately 60 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (mmcfe) per day during the 2013 first quarter and the company continues to target a year-end 2013 net production exit rate of 330 mmcfe per day. The average peak daily production rate of the 13 wells that commenced first production during the 2013 first quarter was approximately 1,200 boe per day.